By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
December 6, 2002
Inspired by the Christmas productions at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, country superstar Martina McBride has decided to undertake her own holiday tour. McBride’s first annual “The Joy of Christmas” tour reaches the UIC Pavilion on Sunday.
“This is completely different from anything I’ve ever done in the past,” says McBride. “It’s very theatrical. I’ve incorporated a lot of elements of theater into it. We have a 90-foot-wide video screen that’ll project images. We have some really great actors recreating holiday scenes. I think we’ve really created an environment where people will feel they stepped into a world where we just celebrate everything Christmas.”
Oh, and don’t forget really why fans will be there–McBride will sing holiday songs. The two-hour show also will feature caroling with children in the audience.
If you haven’t guessed already, McBride is a self-professed Christmas “nut.” The festivities are nice, but McBride says she cherishes the holiday spirit that resonates throughout winter.
“People are just nicer to each other around this time of year, don’t you think?” she asks. “I wish everyone thought about each other the way they do around Christmas. It’s a nice reminder of how we all should be.”
McBride–who is this year’s Country Music Awards Female Vocalist of the Year–doesn’t pretend not to enjoy the accolades she has received in her career. But she stresses the importance of doing something worthwhile for society. She has served as the national celebrity spokeswoman for the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
“I’ve been very fortunate in my life,” she says. “I have a loving family, a great career and some of the best fans anyone could ask for. Sometimes I feel guilty that I don’t have time to do more to help others, but it’s important for all of us to do whatever we can. So I just have to keep on trying.”
When she finishes this tour, McBride will return to the studio to finish work on her new album, which is tentatively slated for a summer 2003 release.
Best Christmas gift you’ve given: You’d have to ask my friends and family! I always try to find things that’ll mean a lot to everyone.
Done with all your holiday shopping?: Not even close! I try not to be last-minute but I always end up rushing around during the last couple weeks
of December. I’ve started a little bit already. I’m not going to let it stress me out.
Favorite holiday: Christmas, of course. It celebrates the birth of Christ, which is wonderful. It’s about giving, which I love. And it’s just more
traditional than a lot of other holidays.
What’s on your Christmas gift list?: We don’t make lists. Sometimes certain catalogs may have circles around them, but that’s it!
Ever fancy yourself as a Rockette?: Oh, please! Those girls are amazing.
Favorite activity while in town: I love walking around downtown when I get the chance. It’s such a gorgeous city.
If I have time … I’ll check out some of the great stores you have in Chicago. And the food is amazing! We always like to try to see the sights
while we’re there.
Most difficult part of putting this tour together: I had had to work around my daughter’s school schedule.
Best thing about playing to Chicago audiences: They’re very honest and loyal. They’re wonderful.
The last word on Chicago: Beautiful.
